Disney's gamble to launch a new franchise starter with Guardians of the Galaxy [GOTGX] and expand the Marvel Cinematic Universe deep into outer space is about to pay off. The sci-fi adventure brings together some of Marvel Comic’s more obscure characters played by Chris Pratt [CPRAT], Zoe Saldana [ZSALD], Dave Bautista [DBAUT], and the voices of Bradley Cooper [BCOOP] and Vin Diesel [VDIES]. While the first trailer emphasized the film's quirky humor, the marketing campaign has focused on the rollicking action with later trailers to win over casual moviegoers. The PG-13 rated film has excellent reviews and tremendous fanboy buzz. 2007’s The Bourne Ultimatum currently holds the August opening weekend record at $69.3 million. Fandango reported that advanced ticket sales have surpassed The Bourne Ultimatum, The Lego Movie’s $69.1 million from earlier this year as well as Thor’s $65.7 million, but not Thor: The Dark World’s $85.7 million. Debuting in an August record of 4080 theaters, Guardians of the Galaxy could collect around $74 million.
Lucy [LUCY] opened better than expected, but will suffer from poor audience scores as well as competition from the Marvel space heroes. Lucy looks to crash 60% to about $18 million.
Universal counter-programs the weekend with the James Brown biopic Get On Up [GSOUL]. Chadwick Boseman [CBOSE] stars as the Godfather of Soul, who is widely known to generations of music lovers, black and white. Good reviews on the PG-13 rated film should help bring out the older, target audience. Getting down in 2468 theaters, Get On Up should be funky with $15 million.
Although Hercules [HERCL] has positive word of mouth, the actioner faces direct competition from the Guardians. Hercules may tumble more than 50% to $14 million.
Roadside Attractions expands A Most Wanted Man [AMWM] wide into 727 theaters a week after grossing $2.6 million in limited release. Featuring Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last lead role, A Most Wanted Man could capture $4 million.
Focus Features also expands Wish I Was Here [WIWH] wide into 753 theaters after two weeks of limited release. The Zac Braff [ZBRAF] vehicle may kickstart $1.5 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): GOTGX, CPRAT, ZSALD, DBAUT, BCOOP, VDIES, LUCY, GSOUL, CBOSE, HERCL, AMWM, WIWH, ZBRAF